IRAN: Detained Baha’i leaders in grave danger

February 18th 2010 – The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the Iranian League for Human Rights (LDDHI) and the Centre for the Defence of Human Rights (CDDH) wish to draw your attention to the grave plight of the leaders of the Bahá’í community in Iran and request urgent action to be taken on their behalf in view of their alarmingly deteriorating situation.

To recall the facts, in August 2010, following proceedings that under no circumstances can be deemed a free and a fair trial, the seven Bahá’ leaders were transferred from Evin prison to Gohardasht prison in Karaj, a facility with appalling conditions of detention. Subsequent transfers and worsening conditions of detention lead us to believe that the well-being and lives of the detained Baha’i leaders are at risk and their ongoing arbitrary detention places them in a clear and present danger that requires urgent reaction.

Following a recent transfer, the two women prisoners were physically threatened by fellow inmates and their lives are clearly in danger. The five men have also been placed under harsher conditions.

Shirin Ebadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate reminds the international community that “none of the prisoners were granted a fair trial and their continuing arbitrary detention is of grave concern, I call once again for their immediate release and a cessation of all harassment against the Bahá’í community”.

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), the Iranian League for Human Rights (LDDHI) and the Centre for the Defence of Human Rights (CDDH) call for the immediate release of the Baha’i leaders and call upon the international community to act with urgency for their release.